Deceuninck-Quick-Step's Julian Alaphilippe has decided to skip Milano-Torino and Il Lombardia and finish his season early.

The 2019 season has been unbelievable for the French rider. He started the year taking stage victories at the Vuelta a San Juan and Colombia 2.1., from where he returned to Europe to win Strade-Bianche, two stages of Tirreno-Adriatico, Milano-Sanremo, La Fleche Wallone and stages at Itzulia Basque Country and the Criterium du Dauphine.

Just after that, he surprised the world in the Tour de France, where he didn't only win two stages but also wore the Maillot Jaune for 14 days. "2019 is a year that I will never forget, and I want to thank my team, the management, the staff, my family and everyone who has supported me throughout this truly spectacular season," Alaphilippe commented. "I can't put into words how special it was to share all these beautiful moments with you all!"

The rider was set to start in Milano-Torino and Il Lombardia, the last Monument of the season, but has decided to finish his season right away. "I am really sad to tell you that I will not be racing Milano-Torino and Il Lombardia this week and that my incredible 2019 season has come to an end," he explained. "You know that I always give everything and have done ever since my year started in Argentina.

"I've worked really hard to try and be at my peak for a third time this year, having raced hard at the Classics and Le Tour, but I knew at the Worlds that my form is short of where I would like it to be. I really wanted to be with the guys in Italy and give my all for the team, but as I can't do that, it makes sense that I start my post-season recovery now, in order to be in the best possible shape for the start of next year."